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Memories of Childhood
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Zitkala-SaandBama
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one picked up his knife and fork and began eating. I began
crying instead, for by this time I was afraid to venture
anything more.
But this eating by formula was not the hardest trial in
that first day. Late in the morning, my friend Judewin
gave me a terrible warning. Judewin knew a few words of
English; and she had overheard the paleface woman talk
about cutting our long, heavy hair. Our mothers had taught
us that only unskilled warriors who were captured had
their hair shingled by the enemy. Among our people, short
hair was worn by mourners, and shingled hair by cowards!
We discussed our fate some moments, and when
Judewin said, We have to submit, because they are strong,
I rebelled.
No, I will not submit! I will struggle first! I answered.
I watched my chance, and when no one noticed, I
disappeared. I crept up the stairs as quietly as I could in
my squeaking shoes, my moccasins had been exchanged
for shoes. Along the hall I passed, without knowing whither
I was going. Turning aside to an open door, I found a large
room with three white beds in it. The
windows were covered with dark green
curtains, which made the room very
dim. Thankful that no one was there, I
directed my steps toward the corner
farthest from the door. On my hands and
knees I crawled under the bed, and
huddled myself in the dark corner.
From my hiding place I peered
out, shuddering with
fear whenever I
heard footsteps
near by. Though
in the hall loud
voices were
calling my
name, and I
knew that
even Judewin
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Memories of Childhood
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Memories of Childhood
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Memories of Childhood
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2. It may take a long time for oppression to be resisted,
but the seeds of rebellion are sowed early in life.
Do you agree that injustice in any form cannot
escape being noticed even by children?
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100 Vistas
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102 Vistas